Potential Career/Occupation Information

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Controller

Occupation Information table

Overview:

Controllers direct the financial affairs of an organization. They identify and set the economic goals and financial operating procedures to meet the goals. They direct preparation of budgets and reports of income, expenses, and earnings.

Duties:

They decide upon the profit goals of an organization as a major part of the organization's yearly and long range plans. Confer with the company's executives to set financial goals and action plans.

They determine how much revenue must be taken in by the company and the allowable expenses to reach the desired profit goals. They specify budgets for the organization's operations.

They monitor the company's business operations to determine how closely the actual expenses and revenue are matching the plan and make adjustments if needed.

They determine how profits of the organization will be used for future growth of the company. Decide upon the size and method for giving bonuses and merit pay increases to employees.

Employment in this field is projected to grow 5% to 8% percent from 2014 to 2024, which matches the average growth rate for all occupations.

Salary Range (National Average):

$35,000 to $40,000

Growth:

Education Level:

Typically, a Bachelor’s Degree from a 4-year college (some are 5 years) is required to be considered for this occupation.

Additional Training/Education:

A bachelor's degree in accounting or finance, or in business administration with an emphasis in finance and accounting is the appropriate educational preparation for this occupation. A master's degree in business administration (MBA) is increasingly preferred by employers. Courses in computer applications are essential.

Recommended Skills:

Analyzing requirements for a new product or service and creating a design to satisfy those needs.

Weighing out the options in a situation or a problem and logically choosing the best course of action.

Paying attention to what other people are saying, and taking time to understand the points being made.

Determining how much money is required to get a job done, allocating those monies, and then accounting for all expenditures.

Using mathematics and/or statistics to solve problems.

Being aware of the reactions of others, and understanding why they react the way they do.

Ability to identify a problem, review related information, develop and evaluate options, and implement a solution.

The ability to understand complex written paragraphs, instructions, or reports.

Using logic to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Talking, giving speeches, or speaking in a group to convey information, explain ideas, or give instructions.

Composing and communicating your ideas in written form.

Recommended Values:

Gaining the respect of others by the nature and/or level of responsibility of your work.

Having a routine job where the duties are very predictable and not likely to change over a long period of time.

Being able to decide on how to get something done without significant direction from someone else.

Understanding acquiring positions in this field may be enhanced through continuing academic study (i.e. earning a baccalaureate or a master's degree) and/or work experience in the field, Queensborough Community College has established transfer agreements with other institutions for students who wish to further pursue their educational goals. Students are highly encouraged to meet with one of our Career Services to fully understand the opportunities available through study in their degree program.